Charadrius morinellus (Linnaeus, 1758)

Distribution

Breeds on highlands of south-west Altai and in Saur ridge. Three females recorded in July 21, 2002 on north-eastern Dzhungarskiy Alatau, at altitude 2900 m. Widespread on migration in plains of Kazakhstan, common in western parts.

Biology

Rare breeding migrant. Inhabits the alpine stony meadows with scarce vegetation at altitudes above 2000 m. On plains appears in mid-April - May in small flocks of 50-300 birds, observed usually on pastures or in steppes with scarce vegetation, and rare on lake shores. Last migrants recorded in mid May. The breeding biology in Kazakhstan is a bit explored. Nest without lining is located in shallow hole on clay sites. Clutch of 2-4 (usually 3) eggs is laid in end of May to early July. Only male incubates clutch and cares chicks which hatch in the end of June. Two birds trying to divert the man from the brood were observed in July 14, 1981. Juveniles begin to fly in end of July. In autumn at first the females begin to migrate from the end of July. In western and northern Kazakhstan birds of northern population observed in second half of August, migration finishes in September, but odd birds linger until mid October. In southern Kazakhstan at autumn occurs very rare, singles and small groups were registered in end September - early October.